<img src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Modesto-students-volunteer-for-Salvation-Army-300x250.jpg" alt="Modesto students volunteer for Salvation Army" width="300" height="250" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13520" />On Dec. 18th, a dozen ASB and evening students at the <a href="/campuses/northern-california/modesto" title="Click to learn more about SJVC's Modesto Campus.">Modesto campus</a>, along with three staff and faculty members, volunteered at their local Salvation Army's year-round shelter. Their primary service was to help provide dinner to over 200 guests, who had few resources that cold December evening.

"SJVC volunteers lovingly served this food to the needy," says Alyssa Bahr, Dean of Student Services. "Guests offered up prayers of thanks and rounds of applause for the delicious meal and the volunteers whose hands served it."

SJVC students had also used ASB student funds to buy items for and assemble 165 "necessity bags" to give to each of those in line for a hot meal. The bags included such items as gloves, socks, tooth brush and tooth paste, as well as a small treat.

ASB Advisor Ashvindar Singh organized this SJVC volunteer opportunity, which was the second time SJVC students had participated in this annual event. Salvation Army staff and bell-ringers also enjoyed the meal alongside grateful guests.

"So much food was provided that guests were able to go back for second and third helpings," says Dean Bahr, who also worked that 4-hour gift of time.

SJVC is committed to creating opportunities for students to get out in their communities and find organizations and people they might serve with both their newly developed professional skills and knowledge and natural talents.

"It is one of our institutional learning outcomes to teach our students what it means to be a good citizen in our communities," says Dean Bahr.